Brown-Robinson Funeral Home Obituaries

Horace Wesley Ricks

July 4, 1946 - June 14, 2017

Horace Wesley Ricks (“Wes” or “Uncle Man”), 70, of Laveen, Arizona, departed this life on June 14, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born July 4, 1946 in Hammond, Louisiana to Eddie Lee and Inez Ricks, and was baptized at age four at Greater St. James AME Church in Hammond. He moved to Lorain, Ohio at age four and graduated Admiral King High School in 1965. As a resident of Lorain, Wes was a member of Greater St. Matthew AME Church and briefly worked at U.S. Steel. He served in the United States Navy and was an intensely proud Vietnam Veteran.

He later moved to Arizona where he graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Psychology/Training and Development and advanced his degree at Arizona State University Graduate School where he received his Master’s degree in Psychology. For many years he was an instructor of Psychology/Adult Basic Education at Maricopa Community College in Phoenix. He was also a regular volunteer at the Phoenix U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs where he entertained patients and staff with his flutes and conversation. Wes had many hobbies which included coin collecting, restoring antique cars, working with leather, and traveling. After the death of his wife he started his journey as an artist and an award-winning flutist who traveled around the world sharing the passion of his music. His music was his ministry and he played from his heart.

Family was very important to him, and he was known for always giving love one’s special nicknames. He will be remembered for his smile, giving heart, and his unforgettable sayings such as “der you go”, “gee mo netie”, and “didn’t I tell you”

Visitation will be Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 10am until time of service at 11am at Worship Cathedral, 2428 Elyria Ave in Lorain. Apostle Terrance Bivins is Host Pastor, with Overseer Rodney L. Thomas Jr. of Body of Christ Ministries as eulogist. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon..

Comment

Carrie on Mon, Jun 26, 2017 at 7:48 AM

I am sorry for your loss, please accept my sincere condolences. I hope the family will find some comfort and strength in Jesus promise of the earthly resurrection (Acts 24:15) and the renewed Paradise earth, where death will be no more and no family will mourn the death of a loved one as found at Revelation 21:3,4. May God (Psalms 83:18) grant you peace and comfort during this grievous time.